Paris is quite the hotbed on drum & bass activity at the moment. IM:Ltd is a drum & bass (and more widely bass orientated music) label run and owned by Parisian dj/producer/graphic designer Caine.
Edging towards the deep, dark and minimal side of the genre, IM:Ltd has been representing for over four years.
We spoke to Caine recently, to discuss the release of the new various artists EP Purple Sky, and a lot more.
Hi there, thanks for taking the time. The new EP is out now, so tell us the thoughts behind the conception of the EP.
This was designed as a ‘summer’ ep (late as usual) so the track list reflects that: it’s more soulful and deeper feelings orientated.
How important is the label's philosophy of forward thinking?
Well to me, drum & bass by its very own essence is and has to be forward thinking. What we’re trying to achieve in the end is something I would call ‘classic’, deeply rooted within our (d&b) culture but having considered the
evolutions of the d&b sound over the years in order that, we hope, our sound is relevant in 2012.
Tell us about the artists on Purple Sky - what makes them stand out for you?
All of them are mature and accomplished musicians who have both a sense for writing melodies, rich background ambiances as well as producing strong beats.
Go through tracks for us. What do you like about them?
Estereo ‘Purple Sky’= Es.tereo is one of the most understated producer on the label despite he’s
been part of the producer core since the very beginning. His sound is pretty unique : made of concrete and industrial music influences with a very abstract and conceptual approach, this one showcases a more chilled out and ambient side of him…just perfect for an after party on a beach in San Teodoro.
Gunston ‘Transition’= This was actually the first ever track from him to be signed to IM :Ltd and it
remains the most representative of his deep and soulful style in my opinion.
Hibea’Ellipse’= This one is just a perfect crossover track for me : it is a piece set for both the body AND the soul. A fantasy : a bit like Seba having a studio clash with Ulterior Motive. Best of both worlds.
Nuage ‘Above Time’= It is romantic and melancholic…you know, that slavonic soul. I like the use he makesof keyz and chords in a very emotionnal way. this one being probably one of the most heart crushing (but yet soothing) track to date from him.
The EP manages to cover a lot of diferrent places and represent different scenes - was this an intentional move by you?
It was all about having a balanced release with tracks showing some diversity and personality but still coming all together as a whole.
I like the ‘EP’ format for that: it allows you to go deeper in the ‘concept’ and package together tracks that wouldn’t make it for a single 12‘’ (for which you look for more direct dancefloor ‘efficiency’).
I understand there are bonus tracks available - what are the formats which the EP is available on? Is it important to give the people something more?
The EP consist of a 2x12" vinyl pack and will be released digitally as well, the digital version containing 2 extra tracks from Gerwin and Atmospherix.
The market is constantly changing and so are ways to sell and market music. So it’s about ‘offer more choice for the people' but also to give those two tracks a better exposure than a digital only release, as all the good stuff can’t make it on records anymore.
What are some of the ways people can get in touch with the label?
The simplest way remains to contact us thru Facebook.
Or via our soundcloud page :
Would you like to give any shout outs?
I’ll keep it ‘essential’ for once : A big shout to all the girls supporting and attending DnB parties worldwide.
(because it’s all about the girls in the end ;))
Thanks to all for the support !
